Response of Finisher Broilers to Graded Levels of Ash Treated African Locust Bean (Parkia biglobosa) Hull Meal

Abstract

Aims: This study investigated the effects of feeding Ash-treated African locust beans hull meal partially replacing palm kernel meal on growth performance, haematology, morphometric traits, thermo regulatory indices, Carcass and gut organs of broiler chicken. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Poultry unit of the  Department of Animal Health and Production Technology Experimental farm, Kogi State Polytechnic, Itakpe that is within  Latitude 070 36’ 20’’N of the equator and Longitude 060 18’ 35”E of the Greenwich Meridian. The feeding trial lasted for 8 weeks. Methodology: One hundred and twenty Arbor acre broiler birds were randomly assigned to three experimental diets in which Ash treated African locust beans pulp replaced palm kernel cake at 0 % (T1), 25% (T2) and 50% (T3). The experimental diets were replicated four times with 10 birds per replicate in a completely randomized design (CRD) for a 196 days feeding trial. Results: At the end of the trial, birds on T3 diet (50% ATPBH) recorded the least values (P<0.05) for final weight gain and daily weight gain compared to birds on T2 and control diets (T1) that had similar (P>0.05) values. Red Blood Cell (RBC) count was significantly (P<0.05) higher in T2 (2.02 x106/l) and T3 (1.97 x 106/l) compared to T1 (1.79x106/l) indicating enhancement of the immune system. Cost of feed per kg of diet (#726.78) and reduction in cost of feed per kg (#15.62) was least in diet containing 50% inclusion level. The birds fed diets T2 and T3 had similar (P>0.05) dressing % values (65.00 and 66.19%) that was lower than that obtained for birds on control diet (70.61%).  Morphometric indices and physiological parameters showed similar responses across dietary treatments. Conclusion: These findings showed that birds fed 25% Ash treated Parkia biglobosa hull (ATPBH) based diet had the best performance. Therefore, Ash treated Parkia biglobosa can be included in broiler chicken diets up to 25% level at finisher phase as replacement for Palm kernel meal, without any adverse effect on bird’s performances.